Surf's up, wave riders! Get ready for an epic day along the Northern and Central California coastline. We're looking at some serious swell action that'll have seasoned surfers and spectators alike buzzing with excitement.
Today's forecast is packing a punch with west-facing beaches serving up massive 10 to 14-foot waves that'll challenge even the most experienced wave hunters. South-facing beaches are holding steady with 4 to 8-foot rollers perfect for intermediate riders.
The wind's coming in strong from the northwest at 16 to 20 miles per hour, which means dynamic conditions and some serious chop. Temperatures will hover between a crisp 46 to 59 degrees, so grab that wetsuit and some warm gear.
Weather-wise, we're seeing a mixed bag - mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers, especially around Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. There's even a whisper of potential thunderstorms, so keep your eyes on those skies.
Water temperatures are sitting around a brisk 53 to 54 degrees. Not exactly tropical, but nothing a good wetsuit can't handle. Tides will be dramatic today, ranging from a low of -0.4 feet to a high of 6.0 feet, creating some interesting wave dynamics.
Looking ahead to Friday, things mellow out a bit. Waves will drop to 6 to 11 feet, winds will calm down, and we're expecting mostly sunny conditions. Temperatures will warm up slightly, hitting 51 to 64 degrees.
Bottom line: Today's for the hardcore surfers. Tomorrow's for everyone. Stay safe, check local conditions, and may your rides be epic!